Luxury Gold, global leader in luxury escorted journeys, takes travellers around the world via exceptional itineraries including India over Diwali and at various times of the year. This year, there are eight itineraries offered for India and the Indian subcontinent, with each journey carefully curated to include unparalleled experiences only available through Luxury Gold.

One of the most celebrated festivals in India, Diwali, takes place this year on November 7 which is the festival of lights and is marked with four days of celebration where each day has a different story to tell and traditions centred round following the inner light of goodness. What is constant throughout is the celebration of life, its enjoyment and a sense of peace and prosperity. Visiting India during Diwali is a fascinating experience – all of the rituals of Diwali have important significance behind them. The country appears illuminated with homes full of lights, candles and spiritual offerings, while fireworks fill the skies which is said to be a way to express respect to the heavens and a request for peace, health, prosperity, wealth and knowledge. Luxury Gold is also pleased to offer a 10% Early Payment Discount for a limited time on journeys selected by clients based on their preferences. *

“India is full of cultural riches, historic gems and breathtaking natural wonders that are not to be missed,” said Brad Ford, president of Luxury Gold. “During Diwali, clients can experience a deeper level of cultural immersion as our journeys get up close and personal with locals celebrating and the customs that make for a truly magical experience – from discovering Diwali dishes with plenty of sweets, to decorating homes with Rangoli, colourful artwork made with rice powder that locals use to decorate their porches with gorgeous designs – we exist to offer travellers once-in-a-lifetime experiences.”

A few sample itineraries that take guests to India and its vicinity are included below, including culturally immersive opportunities with ME to WE that allow guests to travel with purpose:

The journey begins in Delhi where guests first enjoy a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk bazaar in Old Delhi, followed by a visit to the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Parliament House and the Gandhi memorial. Guests fly to Nepal the following day and begin exploring the mystical country, starting with Durbar Square and ancient Royal Palace complex. The Local Expert will lead guests on an intimate visit of the Narayanhiti Royal Palace before seeing Swayambhunath. In Patan, guests visit the temple of Teleju and a Tibetan Handicraft Centre as well as Nepal’s most important Buddhist site, Hindu Pashupatinath Temple. There is also an opportunity to meet an Everest summiteer and hear about the Sherpa people and their roles in Everest expeditions. Back to India, guests fly to Varanasi to see the holy Hindu Aarti ceremony. At sunrise, a cruise along the Ganges River will leave guests in awe before they experience Kushti, Indian mud wrestling. Next, the journey takes travellers to Khajurraho to tour one of India’s Seven Wonders – the medieval Hindu and Jain temples. In Orchha, guests explore the citadel and experience a delectable vegetarian lunch in a splendid resort before boarding the Shatabdi Express towards Agra. In Agra, a local joins guests on a special visit to the Taj Mahal to teach them about his way of life. The Pink City, Jaipur is visited the following day on a Jeep excursion to experience the Amber Fort, the Hawa Mahal and the City Palace Museum.

Guests travel to Agra to explore the famous market, Sadar Bazaar, tour the extravagant Royal Pavilions and gardens, walk through a village with a local in the shadow of the Taj Mahal and enjoy tea and pakoras on a rooftop with incredible views. At sunrise, the journey continues to the majestic Taj Mahal before continuing through Bharatpur to the Pink City of Jaipur. Guests will journey to the Amber Fort to relish in the exquisiteness of its royal halls, before returning to Jaipur to see the Hawa Mahal, visit the royal observatory and Sukh Niwas, Jaipur’s City Palace. At the City Palace, travellers will indulge in an elegant High Tea fit for royalty, a VIP experience available exclusively to Luxury Gold guests. Continuing on to Jaisalmer, the Sun City, guests will enjoy desert life at its best amidst the Kanoi Sand Dunes with dinner and wine as the sun sets and travellers delight in an enchanting performance by traditional local musicians. Guests can relax during their luxurious stay at five-star Leela Palace in Udaipur, where they will visit the Jagdish Temple and Garden of the Maids of the Honour as well as enjoy a cooking demonstration by a local chef. The ME to WE Culturally Immersive Experience extension begins with guests journeying to the Aravalli Mountains. Over the next three days, guests will interact with locals to learn about daily life in rural India, contribute to a sustainability project in a local village and have the option to participate in a sunrise nature walk or yoga sessions.

Starting in Old Delhi, guests will visit Raj Ghat to see the Mahatma Gandhi memorial, explore the historic Red Fort and discover the stunning Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. On Day 3, guests will discover the life of an agriculturalist over a walk through a village in the shadow of the breathtaking Taj Mahal which is complemented by the accompaniment of a local sharing stories about his life. After admiring the beauty of the Taj Mahal at dawn, travellers will continue on their journey through India to Ranthambore, where they will enjoy a stay at the elegant Royal Palace of Nahargarh Ranthambhore. Surrounded by mesmerizing views of lush trees and abundant wildlife, Nahargarh Ranthambhore is steps away from the national park, which guests will explore at dusk with an expert naturalist after an early morning adventure to search for the elusive Bengal Tiger on the former private hunting grounds of the Maharajahs of Jaipur. Further exploring Jaipur, guests will visit The Palace of Winds, Hawa Mahal, as well as the famous Jantar Mantar following a unique excursion to the Amber Fort. The final evening offers guests an exclusive visit to the City Palace, where they will experience a Celebration Dinner at Baradari Restaurant.

Terms and Conditions

* Save 10%, book and pay in full by January 31, 2019. Valid on new bookings only and applies only to trips featured in the 2019 Europe Brochure. Not applicable to trips that include cruise components, Last Minute Deals, Special Interest or Expert Hosted Itineraries. A $200 deposit is required within three days of booking and full payment is due by the Early Payment Discount date or 45 days before departure, whichever is sooner. This offer is based on availability, does not apply to all journeys/departures, and may be withdrawn at any time and without notice. Further restrictions apply. Contact your Travel Agent or Insight Vacations for details.

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.